Cox, McGuinness to support Mitchell campaign

THE DEBATE:DEFEATED FINE Gael presidential hopefuls Pat Cox and Mairéad McGuinness have pledged to support and help Gay Mitchell's election campaign in any way they can.

Mr Cox said: “I took my stand. I have to take the result with equanimity and to contribute any way I can.”

Asked if his future was now permanently in Fine Gael, he said “yes, full stop”.

The former president of the European parliament said Mr Mitchell was “a long time in the party and all things being equal, that carried him”. Stressing his willingness to serve in the candidate’s campaign, Mr Cox said if Mr Mitchell had room in his campaign for him to make a contribution, he “would willingly give it”.

Ms McGuinness was “delighted for Gay, a good friend of mine”.

“I wish him well and will be canvassing and campaigning for him and he got a great result. I haven’t seen the figures or anything but he walked it, so fair play to him.”

The Ireland East candidate had no idea what swung the result “but there were lots of suggestions made – that I was too young, that I was good at what I do” – but “I don’t know if that matters overall”.

During the earlier debate, Mr Mitchell had pledged to abide by the oath of office “with every nerve and sinew and every ounce of energy and commitment I have” if he won the election in October.

Making his final pitch to the party before he won the vote at the selection convention on Saturday, the Dublin MEP said he did not appeal “to any one class” but to “those who are striving to cope, those who keep the country going in factory and farm, in office and outdoor work”.

All three candidates stressed their potential to win urban and rural votes. They also emphasised both their roles at European level and the EU’s importance to Ireland, as they addressed some 450 delegates at the Regency Hotel in north Dublin.

Ms McGuinness said her electoral track record “demonstrates that I add a premium to the Fine Gael vote” as a poll topper, with more than 25 per cent of the vote in both European elections and a substantially increased vote for Fine Gael. “I appeal to people of our own political persuasion and other political persuasions and none,” she said.

In rising urban areas such as Portarlington, she got 62 per cent and in dormitory towns such as Dunshaughlin and Ratoath, she got 45 to 50 per cent of first-preference votes.

Mr Cox said a particular presidency was needed now, “one that is focused on forging and rebuilding key relationships in Europe and beyond”.

Some of the greatest challenges we faced were in Europe. “I know Europe from the inside, and uniquely I know it intimately at the highest levels”, he added, having been elected president of the European Parliament.

Mr Cox added: “In this time of national crisis I have felt that call to public service. That is why I am seeking Fine Gael’s presidential nomination today.”

In his address to the convention, Mr Mitchell highlighted the “very real signs of a society in need of renewal”. Recalling former minister and judge Declan Costello, Mr Mitchell said “his political principle and approach to public service convinced me to join Fine Gael at the age of 16”.

Since then, the Dublin MEP’s ethos had been based on “rights, responsibility, enterprise and social justice. These values have guided me in public life for 32 years and will guide me if elected.”

He said Ireland needed to return to a society based on principles, a less harsh, more merciful and forgiving society. He believed his ethos could help repair the brokenness in society and help us become more ethical and happier, but more gentle.

Referring to the global importance of the presidency, Mr Cox said: “The sterile and false choice between Boston and Berlin was never convincing. We all recognise the need to build on our strengths in the US and in Europe.”

But he said Ireland’s small globalised economy had to make the most of its opportunities worldwide.

Ms McGuinness pointed to her successes at EU level, including chairing an inquiry into Equitable Life which led to the British government paying out to policyholders, “many of them in this country”. Building “solidarity and sustainability are at the core of my vision for the presidency”, she said.

Minister for Arts Jimmy Deenihan said Ms McGuinness had “instant appeal to people in rural and urban Ireland. She bridges that divide seamlessly.” He said she was an optimist and idealist but remained flexible and pragmatic.